KL & Surrounds East Malaysia Johor Kedah & Perlis Kelantan & Terengganu
Cafés Alley No. 5 5 Lorong Jambatan, Kampung Pantai (016 415 5097/Facebook: Alley-No5). Named after its address, this cool hideaway is a safe haven from the touristy and oft-noisy Jonker Street. They regularly host local indie bands and other musical performances. You’ll find homemade cheesecakes, cold beer and great coffee. Mon-Thu & Sun, 10am-6pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-11pm. $$ Backlane Coffee 129 Jalan Hang Jebat (06 282 0542/ Facebook: Backlane-Coffee). It’s easy to miss this quaint and spacious café at the end of Jonker Street as it’s nicely tucked towards the back lane (hence, the name). Backlane is flooded with natural lighting and a welcoming ambience that greets you with the aroma of coffee and freshly baked cakes. Everything is baked onsite; besides cakes, they have macarons, mille-feuille and other desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Daily, 9am-12midnight. $$$ Bikini Toppings 46 Lorong Hang Jebat (012 316 6426/fb.com/BikiniToppings). Adore the refreshing taste of coconut? This is the place for you, particularly after a sweltering afternoon of sightseeing. This coconut dessert bar offers a range of shakes, jellies and desserts. You can mix coconut water
and coconut flesh with your choice of ice cream flavour to create a tasty drink suitable to your tastes. There are a number of flavours to choose from, but we love the simple, classic vanilla. Child-friendly. Mon & Wed, 10am5pm; Tue & Thu-Sun, 10am-6pm. $$ Calanthe Art Café 11 Jalan Hang Kasturi,(06 292 2960/ fb.com/calanthe.melaka). Decked in whimsical art pieces and mismatched décor, Calanthe serves coffee from 13 states of Malaysia as well as ice-blended drinks, milkshakes and smoothies. Besides their wide coffee selection, they serve a really mean Nyonya laksa. Here’s where you can spend hours on your laptop or snapping great photos for keepsakes. Credit cards accepted. Mon-Wed & Fri-Sun, 9am-12midnight. $$$ Eat@18 18 Jalan Hang Lekiu (06 281 4679/ fb.com/eatat18). Head away from the bustling Jonker Street and you will find Eat@18. You probably have to go on a bit of a scavenger hunt for this place as its signage is hidden behind a bunch of thick leafy hanging plants, but it’ll be worth it. The menu boasts quality comfort food, ranging from indulgent burgers, pastas and sandwiches. Eat@18 is also a bakery where you can find fresh artisanal bread that’s organic and free of preservatives. Child-friendly. Credit cards accepted. Mon & Wed-Sun, 8.30am-6pm. $$
Perak
Penang
Pahang
Malacca & Surrounds
Kaya Kaya Café
114 Time Out Malaysia Eating & Drinking 2017
Halia Inc 1 Jalan Merdeka Quayside Heritage Centre, Bandar Hilir Melaka (06 284 1011/fb.com/HaliaInc). This place is sometimes called the Malaccan Publika, and for good reason: The airy indoor and outdoor seating areas in this former customs warehouse were inspired by the best in Melbourne’s café-esque design. Add to that the fact that Halia Inc not only presents a sumptuous menu of Western and Asian favourites like eggs Florentine, pizza and Nyonya laksa, it also supports local musicians and artists. Halal. Daily, 7am-11pm. $$ Hash & Tag 65 Jalan Lagenda 1, Taman 1-Lagenda (fb.com/hashtag.hntcafe). #wafflesandcoffee are the name of the game here in this cosy new café. Though the menu is simple and limited, the comfortable interior and swift service seems to be the attractive factor here. It looks like this is another café that’s great for Instagramming and to get your caffeine kicks. Don’t forget your hashtags! Tue-Fri, 7.30pm-12midnight; SatSun, 3.30-6pm, 7.30pm-12midnight. $$ Hideout Coffee 4 Jalan KL 3/7, Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen 3 (012 367 5318/Facebook: Hideout-Coffee). Simple dinners and decorated desserts are the reasons why locals love this homely café. They even have games